Dust-collector.



B. KERN. JR.

DUST COLLECTOR.

APPLICATION HLED AUGH). I913.

1,Q88,61%. Patented Dec. 24, 1918.

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35% 5W @MW B. KERN. JR.

- nusT COLLECTOR.

APPLICATION FILED AUG-5| I913.

Patented Dec. 24; 1918.

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B. KERN. JR.

DUST COLLECTOR. APPLICATION FILED AUG..5, 1913.

Patented Dec. 24, 1918.

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B. KEIINJR.

nusr COLLECTOR. 7 APPLICATION FILED AUG.5, I913. 11 g m Patented Dec.24, 1918.

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DUST COLLECTOR.

APPLICATION FILED AUG,5,I913.

1,%,614L-w Patented Deb. 24, 1918.

amvamtoz Z VL hue/was I Md/m B. KERN, JR.

DUST COLLECTOR.

APPLICATION FILED AUG.5. 1913.

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UNITED TATES @FFXGE BERNARD KERN, J R.

OF SANDUSKY, OHIO.

DUST-COLLECTOR.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 24, 11918,.

Application filed August 5, 1913. Serial No. 783,220.

' 111g drawing.

This invention relates to an improvement in dust collectors which,though capable of a variety of uses, is particularly designed foremployment in connection with street sweeping apparatus, particularlywhere such apparatus utilizes air for lifting or conveying the refusebeing collected.

In an apparatus of the character stated, by reason of the fact that thesame must be of a portable character to permit traversing the streets ofpopulated districts. an essential desideratum is the ultimatedeliverance of the air from the machine in a purified state, so far asthe separation of the dust, of which the air is laden during theoperation of the machine, is concerned, and which air is necessarilydischarged from the machine into the atmosphere.

It is also desirable that the air emitted from the machine, usually in asomewhat severe blast, should not be laterally of the travelingapparatus, but rather vertically above the machine.

Practical experience has demonstrated the great difficulty encounteredin purifying the air. as suggested, and to provide a separator whichwill be capable of treating the vast amount of material andcorresponding volume of air, in a continuous operation, and for freeingand properly discharging the clean air from the machine. To these ends Ihave found that a movable collector operating to successively present tothe dust laden air fresh collecting surfaces and for simultaneouslycleaning other dust-coated surfaces in a practical and eflicient deviceoperating, preferably, in conjunction with a filter through which the'air initially treated" by the main separator is forced to pass andthrough the medium of which filter any minute particles of dust escapingsaid separator will be taken from the air sot-hat the latter at itsfinal discharge into the atmosphere is substantially pure from dust.

A separator, and filter, as above set forth possess many importantfeatures in detail,

construction and arrangement, found etlicacious in service, among whichmay be broadly observed :first, the rotatable character of the separatorcomprising radially disposed sup porting members of an open meshmaterial. for example, wire, for a multitude of corresponding radiallayers or folds of filter lug cloth, associated with an in'iproved meansfor mounting and. maintaining the proper association of the elements;second, improved means for actuating or agitating the folds or layers offiltering cloth to cause them to free themselves of collected dust withwhich the same may be coated to enable the presentation of fresh orclean portions of the separator to incoming dustladen air, and meansenabling proper mounting and adjustability of such actuating means;third, an improved character or formation of filter cloth enabling thesame to be fiapped, so to speak, that is, in the sense that the same isalternately rendered slack or full and in a snappy or jerky mannerreturned to a normally taut condition, embracing the provision of thefilter cloth with reinforcing material of a relatively nonstretchabiequality adapted to be engaged by the means for jerking or snapping thefilter cloth in its return to its tautened state; fourth, improved meansfor sealing the space between the rotatable dust separator and its frameto prevent dust working out of the machine, so that only the purifiedair is free to escape, and that only through the predetermined finaloutlet afforded for that purpose; and fifth, an improved filter capableof arresting the before referred to finer particles of dust escapingwith the air from the separator, arranged adjacent to the finaloutletfor the purified air, and embracing a simple formation, and means"vfor movably assembling the parts for facilitating the cleaning andsubstitution of parts at the will of the operatorl Other features nothere especially mentioned will be apparent to persons skilled in the artfrom the detail' description hereinafter contained when read inconnection with the accompanying draw- In the drawings Figure 1 is aside elevation, of a fragmentary portion of a street sweeping machinevehicle, parts being broken away to show the interior formation,

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view through the dustcollector and immediately associated portions of the casing Within whichthe same is mounted,

Fig. 3 is a side elevation showing the dust collector partly in section.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail view of the movable means for engaging theinner turns of the filter cloth,

Fig. 5 is a detail view of one of the cams for actuating the deviceofFig. i.

Fig. 6 is an elevation on the line 4:-i of Fig. a,

Fig. 7 is face view of one of the filter folds,

Fig. 8 is a detail view to show the reinforcing tapes of the filtercloth,

Figs. 9, 10, 11,-12, 13, 1a, 15, 1c and 17 are detail views, thecharacter of which it is believed will be readily understood, showingthe manner of mounting and securing the outer turns of the filter clothand the parts immediately associated therewith,

Fig. 18 is a detail sectional view illus trating the manner of sealingthe space between the casing and the rotatable dust separator.

Fig. 19 is a similar view of the filter, and

Fig. 20 is a detail sectional view illustrating the manner of removablyattaching the filter elements to the frame or casing portion providedfor the reception of the same.

Referring more specifically to the drawings, wherein like referencecharacters designate corresponding parts in the views, A represents avehicle either self-propelled or -drawn as may be found practical underconditions of serv1ce, B indicating the wheels thereof, one at oppositesides of the body or casing D is an inlet into the casing C attheforward upper endof the same through which the dust-laden air isthrown into the inte rior of the casing, and subjected to the action ofa rotatable dust collector, to be more particularly defined, and F isrepresentative of what I might term a dead air chamber into which thedust collected by the collector is shaken and deposited.

At the sides of the casing C, the latter being preferably a woodenreceptacle, 1 provide circular collars G carrying at the lower portionsthereof anti-friction rollers 9 constituting supports for large annularbearings h at the ends of a rotatable dust collector H, and saidbearings being formed of metal and bolted as at 71" to a metallic ringif carried by the ends of the rotary dust collector, and constituting aninner flange to prevent endwise movement of the collector. the bearingsit having outwardly extending flanges h? overlying the members G, andhaving curved outwardly projecting terminal portions h in which isseated a ring of coiled v spring metal if, holding into wiping relationwith the curved seat formed by the flange 7L :1 sheeps wool packing hfastened as at h to the flanges of the members G as shown. The spacebetween the casing C and the pivotal ends of the dust collector H arethus effectually sealed.

Connecting the rings If of the dust collector are a series of bars I,the same being rectangular in contour (Fig. 3) for the major portion oftheir length, and at their ends fastened to the rings as at 2'. Betweenthe ends ofjthe same the bars I are secured to flanged rings 2'', as at2' and similarly to a pair of U-shaped rings F, as at 2' having theirflanges disposed outermost to form pockets 2' through which the barspass and in which they are seated. For a purpose to later appear, ringsi are arranged concentric to the rings the two being secured together byrods 2' It will be observed that there are three rings 2', one at thelongitudinal center and the others near the ends of the collector, whilethere is conveniently but a pair of the U-shaped rings 2' one arrangedbetween the metal ring 2" and the end rings 2'.

The immediate dust collecting and separating means may now be defined,and at the outset it may be observed that the same comprises a multitudeof approximately radially disposed folds or sheets of filter clothsuitably supported so as to permit thepassage of air therethrough whilecollecting the dust on the surface thereof, and the folds being actuatedso that the collector may be said to be self-cleaning during acontinuous cycle of movement of the collector. The folds or sheets offilter cloth are represented at J, the same being conveniently acontinuous piece of fabric sufficiently porous to. permit theproperpassage of air therethrough while preventing dust from passing throughthe same so that the dust will be collected largely on the outer surfaceof the cloth, the cloth being folded and refolded upon itself throughoutthe circumference of the rotary frame constituted by the bearings h,bars I, and rings 2" and i", together with suitable heads 71 at oppositeends of the machine and carrying gears K. messing with pinions 75mounted on a common shaft is, driven through the medium of an extension70 deriving its power from any suitable source. conveniently a drivenpart of the vehicle in which the collector may be mounted, and notnecessary to be illustrated. in detail herein.

Between each alternate fold of the cot lector fabric J, i provide anopen mesh support therefor to maintain the desired air space within theinterior of the collector. and between said folds, by constantlymainmeasure of inverted U-formation, the same being permanently securedin place in a somewhat relatively free condition so that it may haveslight play or movement over the inner surface of the cloth J. The freeedges of the screen, as at Z, rest in notched portions Z formed in theflanges i of the rings 2' While the upper folded edge Z of thescreenfits slida'bly within U-shaped bars M seated at its ends inpockets m formed in the heads i and bridging the space between saidheads. The outer folds of the collector cloth J pass over the outside fthe bars LM and inwardly f over the opposite surfaces of the wire sup--I port Lit may be here noted that the space within th"e folds andwiresupport is suflicient to accommodate tie rods, as 2', to secure theopposite heads 2' together.

The U-shaped bars M are provided with longitudinal grooves along thefolded edge of the same constituted by curving the same inwardly as at mThis curved wall has a series of apertures m therein for the receptionof pointed tongues m depending the tongues m underlie the imperforateportion of the wall m these portions are firmly secured together, thearrangement at the same-time offering a simple separable fasten ingenabling ready renewal of the separator or collector cloth, as desired.The ends of the bars M, project, as stated, into the pockets m formedtherefor in the heads'", said ends being inserted into the pockets in adirection radially of the heads, andheld in the pockets by a plate Nattached to the head by inturned flanges a secured to the heads as atn.elongated bolts m being threaded through the plates N and freely passedthrough suitable openings m in the wall m of the bars M and depending asufficient distance to receive thereover springs m bearing at theirlower ends against the base m of the pocket and at their upper endsagainst the wall of of said bars M.

The inturned flanges 92 referred to extend the full distance between theadjacent pockets and are lined with sheeps wool n to prevent the airpassing by way of the pockets into the interior of the collector andcompelthe air to first pass through the separator cloth.

Intermediate of the adjacent wire supporting elements L the inner foldsO of the separator cloth are secured to rods P which are adapted toreciprocate radially of the machine, as will soon be defined. The mannerof securing the said inner folds to the said rods P is important, and Ihave con ceived of a simple and eflicient means to that end, namely,cloth tapes 0 disposed longitudinally of the fabric of which the col--lector cloth is formed, and stitched thereto as at 0, save at certainfull portions 0 coming at the inner folds of the cloth re- .ferred to,and constituting eyes or loops 0 for the reception of the rods P towhich I have just alluded. Of course, from the usual nature of a filteror separator cloth, the same under stretching strains is capable of andliable to elongate, and thus become unduly loosened relative to thecorrelated parts of the apparatus, and to overcome this tendency, thetapes 0 are of a strong char acter capable of resisting such stretching.and inasmuch as the strain in my apparatus will come upon the tapes, asdistinguished from the main body of the separator cloth, per 86, thecloth will be preserved in its normal condition.

It being understood that under the rotation of my collector, as thus fardefined, the various folds of the collector cloth will be presented inthe path of the dust-laden air,

introduced into the casing C through the inlet D, the air beingpermitted to pass through the separator cloth and the supporting screenstherefor, into the hollow inte ior of the rotary collector, and outthrough the hollow bearings at the ends of the same, the dust beingcollected on the outer surface of the separator cloth while the heavierrefuse carried by the air will be delivered by gravity to the bottom ofthe casing or receptacle C. Following this operation, it will beapparent, to permit continuous actuation of the apparatus, some meansshould be employed to free the surface of the collector cloth of thedust carried thereby, and I have demonstrated that this can be bestaccomplished by jarring or flapping the folds of the collector cloth.This is accomplished through instrumentalities connected to the rods Passociated with the inner folds of the collector cloth, as alreadydisclosed. These actuating instrumentalities. automatic in operation.will. now be specifically referred to.

Across the ends of the rotatable bearing h, and to the flanges Gtherebeyond I secure a flatmetal strip Q to which a longitudinal strip(both being formed of rigid metal) is secured through the medium of theflanges g of the vertically flat end portions 9, these end portions bemgtwisted from a horizontally flat central portion g said strip,comprising the portions 9 and 9 passing through the hollow centralportion of the dust connector, and the purpose there of being toconstitute an efiicient support for actuating cams E, having a series ofcam surfaces or fingers 1' (four being shown) disposed circumferentiallyof the machine and formed with the shank 1" havingthe metal thereoftwisted to constitute ahorizontal flange 1' overlying and bolted to thehorizontal supporting strip 9 The means cooperating with the cams orfingers r, the latter being stationary, comprises devices carried by therotatable collector adapted to be brought into a tripping engagementwith the cams, when the col lector is passing the lower turn of itsrevolution, and includes anti-friction rollers i sleeved for freerotation upon rods 8, and held against longitudinal displacement alongsaid rods by means of a collar (1 on one side thereof and an adjustablegrip, in the nature of a threaded split collar .9 on the other sidethereof, the threaded split collar engaging the complementary threadedend 8 of radially disposed rods 3* connected at their outer ends, as ats to the rods P, in turn connected to the looped portions of the tapesof the separator cloth J, and passing for free movement through suitableperforations 2' in the rings i within the U-shaped frame rings i SpringsT are sleeved upon the intermediate portions of the rods hearing attheir outer ends against the Web of the U-shaped rings i referred to,andthrough which the outer portions of the rods 'pass,and hearing at theirinner ends against the grip collars 3 not normally to thrust and.maintain the rods s and the rods 8, rollers S, and parts associatedtherewith, in their innermost position,

so that as the rotary dust COllBCtOIJTlOVBS as a whole, the rollers Swill come into rapid successive engagement with the trips or cam fingers1', and be forced outwardly thereby to successively slacken the clothsheets, the springs T alternately and similarly successively thrustingthe rollers and rods P in- Wardly into the spaces between the fingers orcams to tauten' the sheets, thereby securing the desired flapping of thesheets to clean the same of the dust for their fresh presentation to theincoming dust-laden air. It is to be here noted that the shaking of thefilter cloth is at a point within the dead air chamber F so that as thedust separates from the cloth and falls within said chamber it cannot beinfluenced or interfered with by any current of air within the casing Csurrounding the rotary dust collecting element.

The threaded split collars s? are adapted to be forced open to permitadjustment thereof by conical threaded wedges 8 Normally gagement uponthe rods 3* to maintain the rods in adjusted position.

Additional agitation of the filter clothmay be accomplished by the useof another cam U (a pair may be employed, at opposite ends of themachine, if desired) supported from the end wall C at the bottom of thesame, and arranged in the path of movement of the U-shaped bars M sothat the bars may be successively and rapidly depressed inwardly by thecam fingers and similarly, alternately thrust outwardly by the springsm".

The air passing through the filter cloth J to the interior of the rotaryelement may, at times, still carry minute particles of dust, and toseparate such, foreign matter. from the dust, so that the latter, whenfinally emitted from the machine may be as pure and clean as possible, Imount on the out side of the machine at the sides thereof, and inclosingthe pivot mountings for said rotatable element,a filter frame V, thesame being interiorly of step-like formation to provide the outwardlyprogressively enlarging seats '11, o and '0 for the accommodation offilter sections W of similarly increasing diameters. The filter sectionsare of like construction, differing only as to size, and are disposed asshown (Fig. 19) to provide vertically disposed collecting spaces Xtherebetween. Each section comprises a surrounding frame o secured tothe opposite surfaces of which are foraminated sheets of material,conveniently of Wire gauze w, providing a chamber for the rece tion of asuitable filter moss w capable o arresting the aforesaid minuteparticles of dust carried by the outgoing air, the latter, of course,being compelled to pass through the various filter sections prior to itsfinal discharge. The moss is prevented from undue displacement withinthe filter racks by means of wire loops or equivalent ties w passingthrough the mossat a number of points and secured to the foraminatedsheets, readily obtained by simply threading the wire through saidsheets to constitute loops.

Y (Fig. are gravity dogs 01' latches pivoted at 7 to the side members ofthe filter frames 20 and adapted to be swung into engagement with thenotchedv portions y of the end walls of the supporting frame V. Beyondthe last of the filter sections an air space Z is provided in the frameV, the same opening to discharge upwardly as at 2, to prevent the airblast being projected later ally of the machine in the case of a streetsweeper, which of course would be objectionable in many respects tpersons passing a machine, and merchandise displayed on sidewalks, etc.Access to the space Z as well as to the moss racks is obtained through afront door a normally closed, as illus- Lesacra open as indicated indotted lines upon a hinged connection By opening this door, it isapparent that the racks may be properly adjusted in place, the latches Ymanipulated to fasten or unfasten the racks, and the racks Withdrawn,When desired, to be cleaned and replaced, or others substituted for thesame. The smaller rack or racks may at times be ithdrawn through thedoor open ing, but the ewe ot the final outlet opening .2

issuch that any or all of the racks may be introduced or withdrawn in avertical direction therethrough.

Sheeps wool pelt packing, found particularly useful in the dust-sealingof the va ri'ous portions ofmyimproved collector, is interposed betweenthe, filter frames 10 and e their seats 1), '1) and 11 respectively, asindi- -20 cated at 10 \Vhile I have herein disclosed the preferredembodiment of the invention, it will be understood by persons skilled inthe art that said invention is capable of embodiment in other torms, anddevices, Without depa-rting irom the spirit thereof, and as may be inaccordance with the hereto appended 7 claims.

I will not claim herein the special construction of the filter per so,as illustrated in Figs.'- 19 and 20, in view of the fact that the samemo-re properly constitutes subject matter for a divisional application.

I claim:

1. A dust collector of the character described, comprising a rotatableelement hav ing multitude of radiating sheets of separating material,and means for causing the sheets to flap to clear the same comprising arod connected to one edge of each of the sheets, each of said rodshavlng-a. pair of inwardly extending spring pressed extensions, a memberbridging and connecting each pa1r of extensions located approximatelparallel to the first mentioned rod,

said bridging members having engaging po-r tions, and camming means inthe path of movement of said engaging portions acting in opposition tothe springs of said spring pressed extensions, substantially as and forthe purpose. described.

A dust collector of the character described, comprising a casing, arotatable separating element therein having a rotatable hearing at theend thereof passing through said casing, and means for sealing the spacebetween the casin and said bearin come a h prising a. packing secured tothe casing at one edge and at its other edge bemg tree to en 'a 'e thebearm and IOVlflQ an out- WHICllV o )enin receivin ortion for holdingmeans, in combination with said holding means comprising a spring memberencompassing and overlying the free edge portion of the packing and.pressing the latter flap to clean the same comprising a. rod c nected toone edge of each of the sheets having extensions thereon, engagingdevices carried by said cxtensions,.cams in the path of movement of saidengaging devices for actuating the rod and through the rod the saidsheet, and means for adjustably supporting the engaging devices on theextensions, substantially as described.

4. A dust collector of the character described comprising a rotatableelement having a multitude of sheets of separating material, and meansfor causing the sheets to flap to clean the same comprising arodconnected t one edge of each of the sheets having extensions thereon,engaging devices carried by said extensions, cams in the path ofmovement of said engaging devices for act-uating the rod and through therod the said I sheet, and means for adjustably supporting the engagingdevices on the extensions, comprising split grip-collars adapted toengage the extensions.

5. A dust collector of the character described comprising a rotatableelement having a multitude of sheets of separating material, means forcausing the sheets to flap to clean the same comprising a rodconnectedto one edge of each of the sheets having extensions thereon,engaging devices carried by said extensions, cams in the path ofmovement of said engaging devices for actuating the rod and through therod the said sheet, and means for adjustably supporting the engagingdevices on the extensions, comprising toothed split grip-collars adaptedto engage complementary portions of the eXten- SlOIlS. I

6. A dust collector of the character described comprising a rotatableelement having a multitude of sheets of separating material, means forcausing the sheets to flap the rod and through the rod the said sheet,

means for adjustably supporting the engaging devices on the extensions,and means for actuating the rod in opposition to the cams.

7. A dust collector of the character described comprising a rotatableelement havinga multitude of sheets of separating -material, means forcausing the sheets to flan to clean the same comprising a rod connectedto one edge of each of the sheets having extensions thereon, engagingdevices carried by said extenslons, cams 1n the path of movement of saidengaging devices for actuating to clean the same comprising a rodconnect-' ed to one edge of each of thelsheets havng extensions thereon,engaglng devices carried by said extensions, cams in the path ofmovement of said engaging devices for actuating the rod and through therod the said sheet, means for adjustably supporting the engaging deviceson the extensions, comprisingtoothed split grip-collars adapted toengage complementary portions of the extensions, and means for actuatingthe rod in opposition to the cams.

9. A dust collector of the character described comprising a rotatableelement having a. multitude of sheets of separating material, means forcausing the sheets to flap to clean the same comprising a rod connectedto one edge of each of the sheets having extensions thereon, engaging:devices carried by said extensions, cams in the path of-movement ofsaid engaging devices for actuating the rod and through the ridthe saidsheet, means for adjustably supporting the engaging devices on theextensions, and means for actuating the rod in opposition to the cams,said means including, springs mounted on the extensions and bearingagainst said adjustable means tovshift the rod in one direction.

10. A dust collector of the character de-v scribed comprising arotatable element having a multitude of sheets of separating material,means for causing the sheets to flap to clean the same comprising a rodconnected to one edge of each of the sheets hav- 'ing extensionsthereon, engaging devices carried by said extensions, cams in the pathof movement of said engaging devices for actuating the rod and throughthe rod the said sheet, means for adjustably supporting the engagingdevices on the extensions, comessors terial, means for causing thesheets to flap to clean the same comprising a rod" connect ed to oneedge of each of the sheets having extensions thereon, engaging devicescarried by said extensions, cams in the path of movement of saidengaging devices for actuating the rod and through the rod the saidsheet, means for adjustably supporting the engaging devices on theextensions, comprising toothed split grip-collars adapted to engagecomplementary portions of the extensions, and means for actuating therod in opposition to the cams, said means including springs mounted ontheextensions and bearing against said collars to shift the rod in onedirection.

12. A dust collector of thecharacter des'cribedcomprising a rotatableelement hav ing a multitudeof sheets of separating material, means forcausing the sheets to flap to clean the same comprising a rod connectedto one edge of each of the sheets having extensions thereon, engagingdevices carried by said extensions, cams in the path 'of move ment ofsaid engaging devices for actuating the rod and through the rod the saidsheet,

means for adjustably supporting the engaging devices on the extensions,and guides for IEhe extensions beyond the engaging memers.

13. A dust collector of the character described comprising a rotatableelement having a multitude of sheets of separating material, means forcausing the sheets to flap to clean the same comprising a rod connectedto one edge of each of the sheets having extensions thereon, engagingdevices carried by said extensions, cams in the path of movement of saidengaging devices for actuating the rod and through the rod the saidsheet, means for adjustably supporting the-engaging devices on theextensions, andguides for the extensions beyond the engaging members,and springs sleeved on said extensions for actuating the rod inopposition to the cams.

14. In adust collector of the character described, a separating elementcomprising amultitude of sheets of separating material, means forsecuring the same in place, and means for maintaining adjacent sheets inspaced relation comprising an open mesh support between said sheets,members notched to engage and retain the lower edges of said supportsindependently of fastening devices, and a hollow member receiving theupper ends of each of said supports to permit a slight movement'of saidsupports, substantially as described.

15. In a dust collector of the character described, a separating elementcomprising a multitude of sheets of separating material, means forsecuring the same in place," and means for maintaining adjacent sheetsin spaced relation comprising an open-mesh open-mesh supporttherebetween, members notched'to engage the edges of said openmeshsupport, and hollow members within which the folded edge of the openmeshsupport is received.

17. In a dust collector of the character described, a separating elementcomprising a multitude of sheets of separating material, means forsecuring the same in place, and means for maintaining adjacent sheets inspaced relation comprising a U-shaped open-' mesh support therebetween,members notched to engage the-edges of said open-mesh support, andhollow members within which the folded edge of the open-mesh support isreceived, the separating clot-h passing around the outside of saidhollow members.

18. In a dust collector of the character described, a separating elementcomprising a multitude of sheets of separating material, means forsecuringthe same in -place, means for maintaining adjacent sheets inspaced relation comprising a U-shaped open-mesh support therebet'ween,members notched to engage the edges of saidopen-mesh support, hollowmembers within which the folded edge of the open-mesh support isreceived, the separating cloth passing around the outside of said hollowmembers, and meansfor securing the cloth thereto.

19. In a dustcollector of the character described, a separating elementcomprising a multitude of sheets of separating material, means forsecuring the same in place, means for maintaining adjacent sheets inspaced relation. comprising a U-shaped open-mesh. support therebetween,members notched to engage the edges of said open-mesh support, hollowmembers Within Which the folded edge of the open-mesh support isreceived, the separating cloth passing around the outside of said hollowmembers, and means for securing the cloth thereto comprising a plate 55\having prongs passing through the cloth and said member, substantiallyas described.

20. A dust collector ofthe character described comprising a sepamtingelement consisting of a multitude of'folds of a continuous separator,cloth, and means for supporting the same including yieldably held barsengaging the outer folds of said material and arranged Within said foldsand a retaining device overlying the outer portion of the separatingelement formaintaining the same in position, said retaining elementhaving a portion interengaging with the yieldable bar, substantially asdescribed.

21. A dust collector of the character de-' scribed comprising aseparating element consisting of a multitude of folds of separatorcloth, and means for supporting the same including inverted U-shapedbars engaging the outer folds of said material and located therewithinand a supporting element disposed between the folds of the separatingelement and having its upper edge located Within the space between thefolds of the U-shaped bar, substantially as described.

22. A dust collector of the character described comprising a rotatableseparating element consisting of a multitude of folds of separatorcloth, and means for supporting the same including yieldably held barsengaging the outer folds of said material, radially opening guides forthe ends of said bars receiving the yieldable members engag ing saidbars, and retaining devices closing.

the guideways comprising circumferential bands encompassing the guidemembers, substantially as described.

23. A dust collector of the character described comprising a separatingelement consisting of a multitude of folds of separator cloth, and meansfor supporting the same including yieldably held bars engaging the outerfolds of said material, guides for. the ends of said bars, and'retainingdevices closing the .guideways, said retaining devices having inwardlyextending flanges interposed between the adjacent bars, substantially asdescribed.

24. A dust collector of the character described comprising a separatingelement consisting of a multitude of folds of separator cloth, and meansfor supporting the same including yieldably held bars engaging the outerfolds of said material, guides for the ends of said bars, and retainingdevices closing the guideways, said retaining devices having inwardlyextending flanges interposed between the adjacent bars, and Y extendingsubstantially the full distance between the said adjacent bars, and apacking between said flanges and the guide members.

25. A dust collector of the character described comprising a separatorelement consisting of a multitude offolds of separator -clot h, andmeans for supporting the folds of said cloth comprising U-shaped bars.

around the folded edge of which the cloth is passed, and detachablefastening device;

overlying the cloth and engaging said bars to fasten the cloth in place.

26. A dust collector of the clnracter described, comprising a separatorelement con' sisting of a multitude of folds of separator around thefolded edge of which the cloth is passed, and detachable fasteningdevices is passed resilient members upon 'whichthe ends of said U-shapedbars rest and detachable fastening devices overlying the cloth andengaging said bars to fasten the cloth in place, said bars and overlyingdevices having separable interlocking parts.

27. A dust collector of the character described, comprising a separatorelement consisting of a multitude of folds of separator cloth, and meansfor supporting the folds of said cloth comprising U-shaped bars aroundthe folded edge of which the cloth is passed, and detachablefasteningdevices overlying the cloth and engaging said bars to fastenthe cloth in place, said bars and overlying devices having separableinterlocking parts, including tongues on one of the members engaging inrecessed portions of the other member and adapted to penetrate thecloth, substantially as described.

' 28. A dust collector of the character described, comprising aseparator element consisting of a multitude of folds of separator cloth,and means for supporting the folds of said cloth comprising U-shapedbars around the folded edge of which the cloth is passed, and detachablefastening devices overlying the cloth and engaging said bars to fastenthe cloth in place, said bars and overlying devices having separableinterlocking parts, mcluding tongues on .one of the members engaging inrecessed portions of the other member and adapted to penetrate thecloth, the parts being interlocked and releasable by relativelongitudinal movements there of, substantially as described.

29. A dust collector of the character de-- overlying the cloth andengaging said bars to fasten the cloth in place, in combination withspacing members for the op osite sides of each fold of the separatorcloth located at one edge within the hollow portions of the U-shapedbars, substantially as described.

30. A dust collector of the character described, comprising a separatorelement consisting of a multitude of folds of separator cloth,and meansfor supporting the folds of said cloth comprising U-shaped bars aroundthe folded edge of which the cloth is passed,

and detachable fasteningdevices overlying the cloth and engaging. saidbars to fasten the cloth in place, said bars and overlying deviceshaving separable interlocking parts, in combination'with spacing membersfor the opposite sides of each fold of the separator clothlocated at oneedge within the hollow portions of the U-s'hapedbars, substantially asdescribed. 1

31. A dust collector of the character described,comprising a separatorelement'consisting of a multitude of folds of separator cloth, and meansfor supporting the folds of arator cloth located at one edge Within thehollow portions of the U-shaped bars, substantially as described.

. 32. A dust collector of the character described, comprising aseparator element consisting of a multitude of folds of separator cloth,and means forsupporting the folds' of said cloth comprising U-shapedbars around the folded edge of which the cloth is passed, and detachablefastening devices overlying the cloth and engaging said bars to fastenthe cloth in place, saidbars and overlying devices having separableinterlocking parts, including tongues on one of the members engaging inrecessed portions of the other member and adapted to penetrate thecloth, the parts being interlocked 1 and releasable by relativelongitudinal movements thereof, in combination with spacing members forthe opposite sides of each fold of the separator cloth located at oneedge within the hollow portions of the U-shaped bars, substantially asdescribed.

33. A dust collector of the character described comprising a separatorelement consisting of a multitude of folds of separator cloth, and meansfor supporting the folds of said cloth comprising U-shaped bars aroundthe folded edge of which the cloth is passed, and. detachable fasteningdevices overlying the cloth and engaging said bars to fasten the clothin place, the bars and said overlying members being provided withinterfitting ribbed and grooved portions, substantially as described.

34:. In a dust collector of'the character described, a separator elementcomprising a folded separator cloth, means for shaking.

the cloth, and reinforcing tape portions secured to the cloth to preventstretching of the same under the actuation of said shaking means.

assen:-

36. In a dust collector of the character described, a separator elementcomprising a folded separator cloth, means for shaking the cloth, andcontinuous reinforcing tape portions passing throughout the variousfolds of the cloth having portions engaging the shaking means to resistthe strain of the latter independently of the cloth, substantially asdescribed.

37. In a dust collector of the character described, a separator elementcomprising a folded separator cloth, means for shaking the cloth, andcontinuous reinforcing tape portions passing throughout the variousfolds of the cloth having loop portions engaging the shaking means toresist the strain of the latter independently of the cloth, substantially as described.

38. A dust collector of the character described comprising a movableseparator element consisting of a plurality of sheets of separatorcloth, a rod connected to one edge of each of the sheets, means foractuating said rod to cause the sheet to flap comprising extensions ontherod, engaging devices, means inthe path of movement of the engagingdevices to operate the same, and means for securing the'engaging devicesto the extensions on the rod comprising a split grip-collar between eachengaging device and each extension.

39. A dust collector of the character described comprising a movableseparator element consisting of a plurality of sheets of separatorcloth, a rod connected toone edge ofthe cloth, means for actuating saidrod to cause the sheet to flap comprising exten sions on the rod,engaging devices, means in the path of movement of the engaging devicesto operate the same, and means for securing the engaging devices to theextensions on the rod comprising a split gin pcollar between eachengaging device and each extension, the split grip-devices and ex.tensions having interlocking parts when in normal engaging position.

40. A dust collector of the character described comprising amovableseparator element consisting of a plurality of sheets ofseparator cloth, rods connected to one edge of the cloth, means foractuating said rods to cause the sheets to flap comprising extensions ontherods, engaging devices, means in the path of movement of the engagingdevices to operate the same, means for securing the engaging devices tothe extensions on the rods comprising a split grip-collar between eachengaging device and each extension, the split grip-deviceand extensionshaving interlocking parts when in normal engaging position, and meansfor spreading the split-grip device to release said engagement when theparts are to be adjusted to different relative positions. 1

41. A dust collector of the character degrip device.

scribed comprising a movable separator element consisting of a pluralityof sheets of separator cloth, rods connected to one edge of the cloth,means for actuating said rods to cause the sheets to flap comprisingextensions on the rods, engaging devices. means in the path of movementof the engaging devices to operate the same, means for sescribedcomprising a movable separator element consisting of a plurality ofsheets of separator cloth, rods connected to one edge of the cloth,means for actuating said rods to cause the sheetsto flap comprisingexten sions on the rods, engaging devices, means IIIthQ path of movementof the engaging devlces'to operate the same, means for secur- 'ing theengaging devices to the extensions on the rods comprising a splitgrip-collar between each engaging device and each exten- '.sion. thesplit grip-device and extensions having interlocking parts when innormal engaging position. and means for-spreadmg the split-grip deviceto release said engage ment when the parts are to be adjusted todifi'erent relative positions, said releasing device comprising asubstantially conical threaded wedge engaging complementary threadedportions at the ends of the split- 43. In a machine of the characterdescribed, a movable dust collecting elementcemprising a multitude ofsheets of separator cloth, means for supporting the outer edges ofsaidsheets, and devices associated with said outer edges adapted to displacethe sheetswhereby they may flap to clean the sheets, in combination withother means for displacing the inner edges of the sheets tocorrespondingly shape the same, substan' tially as described. I

44. In a machine of the character described, a movable dust collectingelement comprising a multitude of radially disposed separating elements,means for resiliently supporting said elements at'each of their edges,and means for causing said elements to flap to clean the sameupon therotation thereof, comprising coeperating devices adapted to displace theinner and outer edges of said elements at various times.

45. In a machine of the character described,a movable dust collectingelement comprising a plurality of sheets of separator cloth, means forresiliently mounting the outer edges of said'sheets, devices associatedwith the outer edges of said sheets adapted to displace the sheetsduring a portion of'the movement of said element, in combination withmeans for displacing the inner edges of the sheets to shake the same,substantially as described.

46. In a machine of the'character described, a movable dust collectingelement comprising a plurality of sheets of separator cloth, means forresiliently mounting the outer edges of said sheets, devices associatedwith the outer edges of said sheets adapted to displace the sheetsduring a portion of the movement of said element, in combination withmeans for displacing the inner edges of the sheets to shake the same,said last mentioned means including a plurality of closely associatedcams for repeatedzlty and rapidly actuating each sheet.

n testimonywhereof I aflix my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

ALVIN H. BIEHL, C. J. WAGNER.

